Ella Fitzgerald

Re “Ella Fitzgerald, Jazz’s First Lady of Song, Dies,” June 16: Such a beautiful tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. It was 20 years ago and I was at one of her concerts in Holland. A young woman in the audience yelled up at the stage, “We love you, Ella.” Ella yelled back, “I love you, too.”

ANDREW J. BYRNE

Alhambra

* Growing up I was lucky enough to be exposed to the best singer, Ella Fitzgerald. My family knows when Ella is singing to quiet down and just listen to the magic. A few years ago I saw Miss Fitzgerald in a parking lot and, being one of her many fans, I thanked her for making my day just being able to see her. She in turn stopped and said, “Oh no, you have just made my day!”

When seeing her perform in person, I was always struck by her graciousness and genuine gratitude toward her audience; that day she was just as gracious and lovely. I will always treasure that brief encounter with the First Lady of Song.

FRANCES TERRELL LIPPMAN

Los Angeles

* Ella Fitzgerald die? No, heavenly chords pulled her home, for hers was a voice on loan never tethered by mortal constraints. Last Saturday in a descending swoop, cherubim and seraphim reached down for one of their own.

As she sounded, is now where Ella Fitzgerald sings. And if tears could be musical notes, this week the jazz world is singing “A-Tisket, A-Tasket.”

MARY ALICE ALTORFER

Santa Maria

* Bravo for a superb and brilliant tribute to Ella! Thank you for a most deserving and in-depth tribute to the First Lady of Song. Ella is the best!

VALDEMENIA N. WILLIAMS